The more prepared you are, the easier and smoother networking will be.
Leave your comfort zone.
Be ready to engage.
Look professional, dress appropriately for the event and relax.
A friendly, confident demeanor is attractive.
This is a great time to introduce your Shuffle success tool — Ask for their business card and show them how easy it is for you to make them one of your important contacts. If it’s appropriate take a selfie with them (more on this later). These things show that you are authentically interested in staying in touch with them and will make you more memorable when you do follow up.
Good listening skills can help you make valuable connections.
Be willing to mingle. Introduce yourself and ask questions.
Be open, show interest in those you’re talking to and offer genuine compliments.
If you’re going to follow up effectively you need to know what your new connections actually care about. Those are the topics that, when you follow up, they will pay attention to. Work on being a good, active listener by maintaining eye contact, paying attention, and responding with insightful, relevant questions.
If you’re going to follow up effectively you need to know what your new connections actually care about. Those are the topics that, when you follow up, they will pay attention to. Work on being a good, active listener by maintaining eye contact, paying attention, and responding with insightful, relevant questions.
Effective networking is about asking questions to find out more about your prospects so that you can follow-up effectively. Use active listening skills to ask questions that build on what the other person is saying. This demonstrates that you are sincerely interested in their ideas. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your questions. Try to move past the standard questions that people hear all the time.
It’s all too tempting to talk about ourselves. However, when you genuinely want to connect with someone, you need to make the conversation about them. It’s fine to talk a bit about yourself, but then turn the focus back to the other person – and definitely don’t try to sell anything during your first conversation. If they like you and are interested in what you have to offer, the selling will take care of itself.
This is sometimes the most difficult skill to master. Think about ways you can offer value to others through your knowledge, skills, or even through your connections.
Understanding the value you offer can help you establish mutually beneficial relationships.
People need your help, and you need theirs. Don’t be afraid to offer that help or shy about asking for their assistance.
Networking events provide an introduction to new professional connections. They plant the seeds of a professional relationship, but it’s up to you to show your commitment, trustworthiness and competence as you patiently cultivate the relationship. Eventually, your commitment and credibility will lead to a growth in your popularity.
If you want to build a strong network of professional contacts, you must master the fine art of follow-up.
1.2.1 Follow up immediately
1.2.2 Take notes and photos
1.2.3 Use your calendar
1.2.4 Connect on Social Media
LinkedIn — No other social media platform has the same professional reputation as LinkedIn. When you send your request to connect, remind the person who you are and how you met. This is your opportunity to use those notes you took to mention something you talked about such as, “I enjoyed learning about your passion for golf and how I can improve my golf swing. I’ll put your tips to good use this weekend.”
1.2.5 Host an event
Done well, building your network is a valuable investment in yourself and in your business. Developing the ability to approach and talk with people in a meaningful way won’t just improve your business, it will also give you more confidence and better people skills in your everyday life.
These proven systems are not only simple, efficient and cost-effective ways to grow your business, they both offer excellent business opportunities through their outstanding income-generating programs.